Today, we'll flip over to examine the defense, which finished last in the Mid-American Conference in scoring last season with a whopping 40.2 points allowed per game. Here, too, there is no shortage of questions for UMass coach Charley Molnar and his team as they prepare to face Wisconsin in the season opener on Aug. 31. Let's take a look at three of the more pressing concerns below.

1. Who will replace the production and leadership of Perry McIntyre and Darren Thellen?

I don't even want to think about what the UMass defense would've looked like last year had these two seniors not been around to help steady the ship. I'm sure they'd both tell you that they were honored to be part of the Football Bowl Subdivision transition, but you can't help but feel a little bad that these two four-year starters went out on such a rough season. But, they did, and it leaves a pair of gaping holes for Molnar and defensive coordinator Phil Elmassian to try to fill.

After making 12 starts on the defensive line last season, it looks like senior Stanley Andre will slide back into the middle linebacker position for the Minutemen in 2013. He started at the "Mike" in the spring game, and, with good size and instincts, should fill in nicely for the departed McIntyre. Andre's veteran presence will also be a welcome addition to the defense.

The safety spot opposite of sophomore standout Khary Bailey-Smith (who is a freak athlete, as demonstrated by the team dunk contest he won over the winter) is a little more difficult to predict. Local fan favorite Joe Colton looks to get the first crack at winning the job, but it remains to be seen if he has the wherewithal to hold on to it.

2. Will the sophomore cornerbacks continue to improve?

Whoever does end up replacing Thellen will play a role in answering question No. 2, as well. Starting first-year players at corner is a nightmare scenario for just about any team, but UMass should be better off in 2013 for weathering that storm a year ago. Sophomore Trey Dudley-Giles made seven starts as a freshman last year, and should get the nod again when camp opens. He's a talented athlete and now has some precious experience to help him develop further and maybe get his hands on a few more passes.

And though fellow sophomore D'Metrius Williams seemed a little distracted at times in 2012, he's also a skilled player with a bright future. Add in redshirt sophomore Randall Jette and you have a strong nickel package, as well.

How these young, but promising backs respond to the trial by fire that was the 2012 season will be a key development for the defense this season. An improved pass rushing feature fifth-year Maryland transfer Justin Anderson, linebacker-turned-end Kassan Messiah, and plenty of veteran experience should help ease any growing pains. I think by the end of the season this will be one of the strengths of the team.

3. Can a more experienced defensive line better handle MAC blockers?

The Minutemen's defensive front got pushed around in 2012. A lot. Accustomed to handling more manageable FCS blockers, UMass' defensive tackles and ends struggled to hold the point of attack, resulting in 224.75 rushing yards allowed per game (third-worst in the MAC). Sacks, too, were at a premium, with the team recording only 12 in as many games. It was a season-long struggle to stay competitive.

Like I mentioned earlier, the addition of Anderson and Messiah to the line will give the Minutemen a much-needed boost along the defensive line. Looking inside, 300-pounders Kevin Byrne and Robert Kitching will look to anchor the front seven. Seniors Galen Clemons and Brandon Potvin will also play important rotational roles.

I think, for many of these players, another full offseason weight training program as directed by the team's strength and conditioning staff (the only coaches allowed to contact players during the summer) will go a long way in solving many of the problems the defensive line faced in 2012. With FBS-caliber bodies, defending FBS-caliber offenses should, hypothetically, be easier.